Kumar moved to the United States from Sri Lanka with his family when he was 14. He eventually became director of software development at UCCEL Corporation. In 1987, Computer Associates International purchased UCCEL, and Kumar stayed on. He held senior positions in development, strategic planning, and operations, before being named president and CEO, replacing Charles Wang, in 1994. Kumar expanded the firm's range of computer networking and Internet business services. He resigned as CEO in April 2004 and in Sept. 2004, Kumar and Computer Associate's former head of worldwide sales were indicted on charges of securities fraud conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He received a 12-year prison sentence and $8 million dollar fine in Nov. 2006.